What is broad? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of broad

broadadjective

rộng

/brɔːd/

Definition & pronunciation of <b>broad</b>

Where does the word broad come from?

The word "broad" has an interesting etymology. It's thought to have originated in the 14th century from the Old English word "brōd," meaning "wide" or "broad." This root is also seen in modern English words like "broader" and "breadth." Initially, "broad" was used to describe physical width or expanse, such as a broad plain or a broad river. Over time, the word took on additional connotations, including being applied to people, particularly women. In the 18th century, "broad" began to be used as a term of endearment or affection, much like "comrade" or "pal." In modern times, the word has also taken on a more colloquial and informal tone, often used to describe someone or something as generous, inclusive, or expansive. Despite its evolution, the core meaning of "broad" has remained connected to its root sense of width and expansiveness.

Vocabulary summary broad

typeadjective

meaningwide

examplea broad street

meaningvast

examplethe broad ocean

meaningspacious, open-minded, liberal

examplebroad view

typeadverb

meaningwide, spacious

examplea broad street

meaningcompletely

examplethe broad ocean

meaningheavy (voice)

examplebroad view

Example of vocabulary broadwide

meaning

wide

  • a broad street/avenue/river
  • He's got broad shoulders.
  • He is tall, broad and muscular.
  • a broad smile/grin (= one in which your mouth is stretched very wide because you are very pleased)
meaning

used after a measurement of distance to show how wide something is

  • two metres broad and one metre high
  • The wardrobe stands at one metre broad and two metres high.

Example of vocabulary broadwide range

meaning

including a great variety of people or things

  • a broad range of products
  • The course caters for a broad spectrum of interests.
  • There is broad support for the government's policies.
  • She took a broad view of the duties of being a teacher (= she believed her duties included a wide range of things).
  • a broad and balanced curriculum

Example of vocabulary broadgeneral

meaning

general; not detailed

  • the broad outline of a proposal
  • The negotiators were in broad agreement on the main issues.
  • She's a feminist, in the broadest sense of the word.
  • In broad terms, the paper argues that each country should develop its own policy.
  • Computer viruses fall into three broad categories.

Example of vocabulary broadland/water

meaning

covering a wide area

  • a broad expanse of water
  • the broad plains of the American West

Example of vocabulary broadaccent

meaning

if somebody has a broad accent (= a way of pronouncing the words of a language), you can hear very easily which area they come from

  • a broad Yorkshire accent

Example of vocabulary broadhint

meaning

if somebody gives a broad hint, they make it very clear what they are thinking or what they want

Example of vocabulary broadhumour

meaning

dealing with sex in a way that makes people laugh

  • The movie mixes broad humor with romance.

Synonyms and related words for broad

Idioms of vocabulary broad

a broad church
(British English)an organization that accepts a wide range of opinions
  • The party aims to be a broad church with members from all sections of society.
(in) broad daylight
(in) the clear light of day, when it is easy to see
  • The robbery occurred in broad daylight, in a crowded street.
it’s as broad as it’s long
(British English, informal)it makes no real difference which of two possible choices you make
    paint something with a broad brush
    to describe something in a general way, ignoring the details

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